Recalling the Christmas Eve Snowstorm of 1966

Although it has been more than a half-century since the Christmas Eve snowstorm of 1966, I still recall it vividly. More than a half-foot of snow blanketed southwestern Connecticut on Saturday, December 24, 1966, resulting in treacherous roads, numerous accidents, and cancelled church services. Officially, 6.9 inches of snow fell at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, which still stands as a record for the date.

According to an article which appeared in the Bridgeport Sunday Post the following day, the "weather plight was part of an old-fashioned Nor'easter, which brought icy cold, high winds, and a blanket of snow to most of the East (coast)." Gale force winds hammered the region through most of the storm. Take a look at the front page newspaper article from December 25, 1966:

I recall my Dad attempting to drive my family, including my Mom, brother, sister, and me to my grandmother's home in Bridgeport for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner. However, after sliding and skidding several times, our car got stuck on a hill in Fairfield. After several minutes, my Dad was able to gain some traction, and we decided to head home and avoid any more perils on the roads.

I was only eight years old and in third grade at the time, but it's a Christmas Eve I'll never forget.

Paul

First Snow of the Season Expected Across Southwestern Connecticut Sunday Night

Less than an inch of snow is expected across coastal southwestern Connecticut through Monday at 7 a.m. EST, while two-to-three inches may fall in extreme northern Fairfield and New Haven counties. Here is the latest NWS forecast map. pic.twitter.com/AiUEq56wHR

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) December 10, 2022

Today's Sunset is Earliest of the Calendar Year

This evening's sunset in Fairfield was at 4:24 p.m. EST, marking the earliest sunset of the year. Why does the earliest sunset happen nearly two weeks before the Winter Solstice? It’s because the Earth orbits the Sun in an elliptical shape instead of a circle. pic.twitter.com/EZOzlltd9U

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) December 9, 2022

Lunar Occultation of Mars Visible Over Most of North America This Evening

A lunar occultation of Mars will begin shortly after sundown on Wednesday for viewers in North America. Mars will disappear behind the Full Cold Moon and reappear an hour later. https://t.co/AhupeI0jbb pic.twitter.com/xhPulp1Dke

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) December 7, 2022

Southwestern Connecticut Remains "Abnormally Dry" According to Latest Drought Monitor Index

The November precipitation total at the Bridgeport climate station (1.41") is nearly an inch below normal (2.39") through Thursday. Nine of the 11 months this year have featured below-normal precipitation. Southwestern Connecticut remains "abnormally dry." pic.twitter.com/ocuL3UGOv1

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) November 25, 2022

October's 2022 Average Temperature and Rainfall Just About Normal

October's average temperature of 55.4 degrees F at the Bridgeport climate station is exactly one degree cooler-than-normal for the month. The warmest temperature was 74 (October 7) and the coolest was 36 (October 30). pic.twitter.com/jIGlyFwXNf

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) November 1, 2022

October featured 3.78" of rain at the Bridgeport climate station, which is just about normal (3.84") for the month. The greatest 24-hour rain total (1.10") fell October 24. It was the driest October since 2015. pic.twitter.com/8MydxMNi18

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) November 1, 2022

Paul

Today Marks 84th Anniversary of Great New England Hurricane of 1938

Today marks the 84th anniversary of a powerful hurricane that killed more than 600 people across the Northeast. The Great New England Hurricane on September 21, 1938, caused 17-foot storm surges along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coastlines. Strong winds and heavy rain destroyed trees through the White Mountains, and flooding in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire left $387 million in damage. Take a look at the front page of The Lowell (MA) Sun from Wednesday, September 22, 1938.

The Eastern part of Connecticut was the hardest hit, since it bore the brunt of the eastern, or stronger, side of the hurricane. Small shoreline towns to the east of New Haven had nearly complete destruction from the water and winds. Believe it or not, to this day, the 1938 hurricane remains the worst natural disaster in Connecticut's history. In the beach towns of Clinton, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook, buildings were found as wreckage across coastal roads.

According to reports, stately homes along Ocean Beach in New London were leveled by the storm surge. The permanently anchored 240-ton lightship at the head of New London Harbor was found on a sand bar two miles away. Inland sections of Connecticut experienced widespread flooding as torrential rains fell on soil already saturated from previous storms. The Connecticut River was forced out of its banks, flooding cities and towns from Hartford to Middletown.

As for the storm's history, it was centered several hundred miles to the southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, during the early morning hours of September 21. By mid-morning, the hurricane was centered approximately 100 miles due east of Cape Hatteras, and its forward speed had increased to well over 50 m.p.h. This rapid movement did not give the hurricane a sufficient amount of time to weaken over the cooler waters before it reached Long Island.

The hurricane sped through the Virginia tidewater by late-morning, and by early afternoon the New Jersey coastline and New York City caught the western edge of the hurricane. Weather conditions suddenly began to deteriorate along the southern New England coast as well as on Long Island. The full force of the hurricane started to reach Long Island after 2 o'clock, and the eye made landfall at Bayport in Suffolk County shortly after 3 o'clock.

An hour later, the eye had crossed the Long Island Sound and was making a second landfall just east of New Haven. According to modern analysis, the hurricane attained Category 3 intensity at both landfalls. The maximum sustained winds were between 120 and 125 miles an hour. After crossing LongIsland Sound, the hurricane sped inland.

The eye moved into western Massachusetts by 5 o'clock and, one hour later, the hurricane reached Vermont. Both Westfield, Massachusetts, and Dorset, Vermont, reported calm conditions and partial clearing during the passage of the eye. When the hurricane continued into northern Vermont, it began to lose its tropical characteristics.

Twenty-eight years later, another slow-moving storm brought gale-force winds and three inches of rain to southwestern Connecticut on Wednesday, September 21, 1966. Fall officially arrives Thursday, September 22, at 9:03 p.m. EDT with the Autumnal Equinox.

Paul

One of the Warmest and Driest Months of August on Record at the Bridgeport Climate Station

The average temperature for August at the Bridgeport climate station was 77.3 degrees F, which is nearly three degrees above normal (74.5 F). It was one of the hottest and driest months of August on record. https://t.co/kItDTWv72w

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) September 3, 2022

Extreme Southwestern Connecticut Remains in a "Moderate Drought"

Extreme southwestern Connecticut remains in a "moderate" drought, according to the latest Drought Monitor Index released Thursday, August 25, 2022. pic.twitter.com/Nq1nzP2jmp

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) August 25, 2022

Restrictions on Water Use Are Increasing Across Connecticut

Although parts of eastern Connecticut received significant rain Monday and Tuesday, southwestern Connecticut was able to muster little --- if any --- rainfall. In fact, the Bridgeport climate station at Sikorksy Memorial Airport in Stratford recorded only three-hundredths of an inch of rain Monday.

As a result, the monthly rain total through August 22 is still less than one inch (0.81"), and August is the seventh month out of eight this year with below-normal precipitation at Bridgeport.

Restrictions on water use have increased across Connecticut. Here is the latest information, courtesy of Connecticut News Junkie: 

https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2022/08/23/water-use-restrictions-popping-up-around-connecticut-as-drought-conditions-worsen/.

"We desperately need rain," is a refrain we've heard all-too-frequently across southwestern Connecticut this Summer.

Paul

"Moderate Drought" Continues for Southwestern Connecticut

Southwestern Connecticut is officially in a "moderate drought," according to the latest Drought Monitor Index, released last Thursday, August 18, 2022. We desperately need rain.

However, there is hope this week. About an inch-and-a-half of rain is expected across southwestern Connecticut through Thursday evening, according to the latest precipitation forecast issued by the National Weather Service.

The precipitation statistics for August and for the calendar year at the Bridgeport climate station are quite alarming:

During the first three weeks of August at the Bridgeport climate station there have been just four days with measured rain. However, that includes one day with only one-hundredth of an inch. Southwestern Connecticut remains in a "moderate drought." pic.twitter.com/Zps0Hpd1WS

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) August 21, 2022

With the exception of February, every month this year at the Bridgeport climate station has featured below-normal precipitation. The annual preciptation total (21.32") is more than a half-foot below normal (27.86"). pic.twitter.com/UyTksL8EMU

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) August 21, 2022

Paul

My Letter to the Lake Hills Association Regarding the Proposed Roundup and Killing of Canada Geese

Good morning.

I am a lifetime resident of Lake Hills, having lived in Fairfield for all of my nearly-64 years.

It has come to my attention that several neighbors are proposing a “round-up” and killing of Canada geese due to the nuisance and inconvenience they create.

Lethal roundups are ineffective and unacceptable, and there are other methods to control the goose population.

To the best of my knowledge, there haven’t been any health issues or sickness due to the geese, and I have lived here since 1958. This is simply a case of a few neighbors being “inconvenienced.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States, “In some communities, Canada geese are rounded up and killed because people find them to be a nuisance, particularly when goose droppings accumulate. This is wrong. It is not ethical to kill wild birds merely because their mess bothers us or we find them a nuisance, and it’s not necessary to kill geese to resolve conflicts.”

As a Fairfield professional educator who works closely with the Mill River Wetlands Committee each month throughout the school year, my students learn about river and lake habitats and ecosystems. We are “stewards” of the environment and learn the key and critical piece played by each living organism.

As you may know, I am a former 25-year local television and radio meteorologist who continues to maintain a database of environmental and meteorological daily records for the Mill River along Brookside Drive. My Earth Science students and I take seven monthly water quality tests at the river for the MRWC. I respect and value all life forms. 

We should not kill Canada geese simply because of their “inconvenience.” This should not even be an “issue.” They have always been a part of the fabric of our Lake Hills community.

Please see the following website: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/problem-canada-goose-round-ups

I would be happy to speak with you concerning this matter.

Thank you for your time and courtesy.

Sincerely,

Mr. Paul Piorek

Fairfield, CT

August's Full Sturgeon Moon Happens This Thursday Evening

The Full Sturgeon Moon happens this Thursday, August 11, at 9:36 p.m. EDT. This will be the fourth supermoon in a row, and the last one of 2022. As summer slips into autumn and nights begin to grow longer, the final supermoon of the year will make a big splash 

So, how did the August full Moon get its name? The fishing tribes are given credit for naming it, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

Thunder and lightning are quite frequent with Summer storms in August. So, this month’s full Moon also goes by the name of the Lightning Moon for the Summer thunderstorms. Other names given to the Moon in August are the Red Moon and the Dog Moon. 

Full Moon names date back to the days of the Native Americans, in what is now the Northern and Eastern United States.

The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.

Paul

A Summer Reality Check

Believe it or not, the days are indeed getting "shorter." In fact, we have lost nearly 40 minutes of daylight since the first day of Summer. Sunrise on June 20 happened at 5:19 a.m. EDT. This morning's sunrise was at 5:44 a.m., 25 minutes later. Sunset is now at 8:16 p.m., 14 minutes before the latest Sunset, at 8:30 p.m., on the Solstice.

By the end of the month, sunrise occurs at 5:47 a.m., while the Sun sets at 8:10 p.m.. Two weeks later, by mid-August, the shorter days become even more pronounced, with sunrise and sunset times at 6:02 and 7:51, respectively. 

The "shorter" days have to do with the Earth's revolution around the Sun, and the 23.5 degree tilt on its axis. By the end of September, the Autumnal Equinox begins a six-month period of longer nights and shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere.

Paul

Tips for Exercising in Heat and Humidity of July

It sure is hot and humid outside this afternoon. In fact, the air temperature is in the mid 80s with a dew point close to 70 degrees, making it feel downright tropical.

Naturally, use caution if you're going to be outside for any length of time when the weather is brutally hot. If you enjoy a daily workout outside during the Summer, you have to use common sense, too. The first rule of thumb, naturally, is to avoid any strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. That's generally between 11 o'clock in the morning through 3 o'clock in the afternoon when the Sun's rays are the hottest. 

The early morning and evening hours are the best time to exercise outside. Obviously, you'll want to avoid any outdoor exercise when there is an Air Quality Alert or the air pollution is especially high. When you exercise in the Summer heat you need to protect your body from overheating. Be sure to take precautions for a safe summer workout. 

Exercising outdoors in the Summer heat can be dangerous, or even fatal, to your health if you don’t use common sense. Of course, the logical alternative is to work out indoors in cool temperatures. But if you must exercise in the heat, here are some guidelines, courtesy of suite101.com. 

Although keeping hydrated is important regardless of the temperature, it’s even more crucial in the hot Summer months. Besides drinking a basic requirement (at least six eight-ounce glasses) of water daily, include sports drinks both before and after a workout. Staying hydrated is especially critical if you plan to exercise for an extended period. Runners should always carry a water pack. Failing to do so could put you in jeopardy of circulatory failure. 

As for clothing, wear light fabrics such as synthetics and silks that don’t retain heat, as well as release moisture from your body for good airflow. As for colors, select clothes with light colors, avoiding darks. Select fabrics that "breathe," allowing moisture to be released from your body. Not only do hats shield your skin from the sun, but they also shield the sun from heating up the blood vessels lining your scalp. When wearing a hat in the heat, occasionally take it off to let the heat escape. 

If your choice of exercise is a sport such as tennis, be sure to take short, frequent breaks. By doing so, you allow your body parts that are working hard to rest, reducing your odds of injury. Also, pay close attention to your body. For example, if you’re in the middle of a run and your body tells you to rest, then take a break.

When you feel the least bit faint or nauseous --- which could be red lights for heat exhaustion --- stop exercising. Failure to not rest in the shade and hydrate until you recover could result in a heat stroke or even worse conditions. If you work out for more than an hour, be sure to have some carbohydrates handy to eat because carbs are quickly metabolized in the heat. Some sports drinks also contain carbs. 

Use precaution and common sense when exercising in the water. A pool or lake may cool you off on a hot Summer day. But you can still get dehydrated and overheated. If you’re planning a rigorous water workout, check the water temperature (75 to 78 degrees Farenheit is ideal). A pool temperature higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) is too hot and not suitable for a workout. 

Take breaks, drinking sufficient water to make sure you stay hydrated. As for today, keep an eye to the smky late this afternoon and this evening for possible string to severe thunderstorms as a front approaches from the west. 

Paul

Deadly and Destructive Tornadoes Struck Connecticut 33 Years Ago Today

One of the most unforgettable weather days happened 33 years ago today when a series of deadly and destructive tornadoes hit Connecticut on the afternoon of July 10, 1989. I was the early morning forecaster at the Western Connecticut State University weathercenter in Danbury back then. Although I predicted strong to severe thunderstorms for the region that afternoon, I never imagined the magnitude of the tornadoes which would strike Connecticut later that day.

I remember the storms began early that morning in upstate New York. A tornado hit Ogdensburg just before daybreak, injuring one person. One inch hail and wind gusts of over 50 miles an hour were a telltale sign that the approaching frontal boundary meant business. Many reports of wind damage in New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts occurred before noon.

Unfortunately, the timing of the storm had it moving into western Connecticut by the afternoon hours, when the atmosphere is most volatile due to the heating of the Sun. By midafternoon, as the atmosphere continued to heat up and the front moved eastward, the tornadoes developed. The first tornado, which may actually have been three distinctly separate tornadoes, started in the Northwest community of Cornwall, and leveled the Cathedral Pines forest.

The tornado continued south-southeast through Milton, leveling hundreds of trees and virtually destroying the village of Bantam before dissipating. A 12-year-old girl, who was on a campout with family and friends, was killed by falling trees in Black Rock State Park. Not much later, another tornado touched down in Watertown, passing through Oakville and northern Waterbury. That either damaged or destroyed over 150 homes and injured 70 people.

However, the most destructive tornado occurred in Hamden by late-afternoon. The path was only about five miles long, and it stopped just short of New Haven. The tornado destroyed almost 400 structures, and even cars were tossed into the air. 

Rows of houses and an industrial park were flattened as a result of the tornado. The storm was so strong that much of the area was without power for at least a week, and there were some trees still being cleared months later. The adjacent photo shows some of the damage in Hamden. This video was made for the Hamden Fire Department's Training Division the day after the tornado struck.



The powerful F-4 tornado which struck Hamden caused $100 million in damage and another $20 million in the Greater New Haven area. Forty people were injured in the tornado. After the tornado dissipated, a wind gust of 80 miles an hour was reported in New Haven. At about that time, another tornado struck Mount Carmel, tearing the roof off a condominium and injuring five people.

Of course, 33 years ago we didn't have the technology we do today, but I was still able to monitor the radar by the time I arrived home early in the afternoon. Remember, the Internet and access to instant local weather coverage didn't exist in those days. By the evening, the violent weather had ended, skies were clearing, and the damage had been done. It was certainly a day I'll never forget.

Paul

Lawn Care Tips During Hot and Dry July Weather

How is your lawn doing? My lawn is beginning to feel the effects of the strong July sunshine and hot weather this month. Only two of the last 17 days (June 27 and July 5) featured any measured rain across southwestern Connecticut, resulting in less than one inch (0.96") of precipitation.

The brown spots and dried-out grass are becoming more widespread on my lawn. Many people are using their sprinklers to water their lawns. Have you ever wondered when is the best time to water the lawn? According to allaboutlawns.com, the best time to turn on your sprinkler is about 5 o'clock in the morning. Why? "Early morning watering is best due to the lack of evaporation that takes place, low winds that can blow you lawn dry, high humidity, and morning dew that adds to the moisture. 

"Early morning watering helps to prevent lawn diseases that can be caused by watering at night because it gives your lawn time to dry by night fall. Obviously, this can be best accomplished with a sprinkler system, unless you just can't sleep, especially during the Summer months." 

Here's another tip. Try watering a day before you plan on mowing your lawn if you dislike the browning that forms on the tips of the grass afterwards. This will allow your lawn to recover from the cutting and help it to look nicer as a result. Did you know that during the hottest Summer months, the surface of your closely cropped lawn can easily climb two dozen degrees above the outdoor air temperature? Heat is a killer. 

So is moisture loss, which occurs when the lawn is cut too frequently during high temperatures. Heat-stressed, dry lawns are extremely susceptible to insects, spotting, weeds, and root disease as they try to heal from literally being scalped. Many of my neighbors hire lawn cutters who appear at the same time every week to mow the lawns, whether they need it or not. 

According to allaboutlawns.com, it's important to realize that mowing actually creates a routine lawn injury. You can minimize the damage by using sharp blades and mowing in cooler morning or evening hours, but only when the lawn is dry. In the Summer months, you may have to mow more frequently, but always mow at a higher cut. If you're cutting more than 1/3 of the total height of the grass, you're scalping it. 

Take care when mowing your lawn this Summer. Properly mowed lawns retain moisture, fostering deeper root growth, and the healthy blades of grass produce more of the nutrients necessary for your lawn to thrive in difficult conditions. So, even in the driest and warmest time of the year, it is possible to keep your lawn watered regularly and cut when needed.

Paul

Dry Weather Continues Across Much of Connecticut

The eastern two-thirds of Connecticut continue to be "abnormally dry" or in a "moderate drought," according to the latest Drought Monitor Index released Thursday, July 7, 2022. pic.twitter.com/IjvHGdgxkc

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) July 8, 2022

Only two of the last 16 days (June 27 and July 5) have featured measured rain across southwestern Connecticut, resulting in less than one inch (0.96") of precipitation. The forecast doesn't look promising for rain, either.

Paul

The Weather Affects Our Mood

How do you feel when the weather turns hot and humid? Tired? Lethargic? Sleepy? The blazing heat and humidity may affect you more than you think. If you feel "out of it," you're probably not alone. 

According to the Web site Science Daily, “The positive impact warm, sunny weather can have on mental health and mood are real,” are the findings of a University of Michigan study. “It should not be surprising that weather and seasons affect human behavior, given that humans have evolved with seasonal and weather changes since the dawn of the species.” 

Researchers found that pleasant weather improves mood, memory, broadens our creative ability and our openness to new information. “Being outside in pleasant weather really offers a way to re-set your mindset,” said Matthew Keller, the University of Michigan post-doctoral researcher who led the weather-related psychological study. “We found two important variables: how much time you spend outside and what the season is.” 

Ten mood variables were related to eight weather variables in a multidimensional study on weather according to pubmed.org. Data was collected for 23 male subjects over 11 consecutive days. Mood variables included concentration, depression, sleepiness, optimism, and skepticism. The weather variables included hours of sunshine, precipitation, and temperature. “Humidity, temperature, and hours of sunshine had the greatest effect on mood,” the study found. 

“High levels of humidity lowerered scores on concentration while increasing reports of sleepiness. Humidity was the most significant predictor in regression.” Our humidity was especially high yesterday. Were you feeling tired or having trouble concentrating? 

The study adds that the implications for school and work performance are critical, and it highlights the importance of humidity as a weather variable. 

Paul

Today Marks 26th Anniversary of Warmest Spring Day on Record at Bridgeport

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the warmest May day on record. The mercury soared to 97 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford on Monday, May 20, 1996, nearly 30 degrees higher than the average high temperature for the date. In fact, only one other Spring day has been as warm, and that happened on June 9 of 2008.

What made the record high of 1996 so memorable was that it happened just 40 days after nearly a foot of snow capped the snowiest Winter on record, and just days after much colder-than-normal temperatures.

“Just over a week ago, the climate got rewound to Winter,” wrote N. R. Kleinfield of The New York Times in an article dated May 21, 1996. “Six inches of snow coated parts of upstate New York (as if the year required more snow). In the city last week, the high temperature dipped to the 50s. Spring, you might have noticed, either got lost or just forgot to come. Then came yesterday (May 20, 1996). It all got fast-forwarded to August. Bathing suits instead of ski parkas,” he continued.

“Turn off the heater and turn up the air-conditioner. What’s going on? Is this Earth or is this Mars? People could be excused for being mystified, discombobulated, distraught, furious, dazed, crazed, tentative, dizzy and, of course, just plain really, really hot.” The temperature reached a record high of 96 degrees in Central Park, eclipsing the previous record of 91 set in 1959, and a new record was established in Newark, where it was 99 degrees. Incredibly, just over a week earlier, on the weekend of May 11 and 12, 1996, it snowed in upstate New York.

Remember, the first two-and-a-half weeks of May in 1996 were unseasonably chilly. The record heat and outages at two power plants, one in Westchester and one in upstate New York, reduced the electricity reserves of New York state’s power pool, leading Consolidated Edison to ask customers to curtail electricity consumption. With air-conditioners thrumming away, demand in New York City reached around 9,000 megawatts, well above the normal 7,000 to 8,000 megawatts for this time of year.

Twelve years later, a late Spring scorcher, which included another 97-degree Spring day, forced area schools to dismiss early and close in early June of 2008. Temperatures soared to 90 degrees or hotter on Sunday, June 8 (90 degrees), Monday, June 9 (97), and Tuesday, June 10 (96). The normal high temperature for the first week of June is 74 degrees. It’s the first time in recent memory that school systems shut down due to the oppressive heat.

Paul

Chirping Birds at Night an Annual May Ritual

Do you hear the birds chirping in the middle of the night? I do. The birds began chirping shortly after 3 o'clock this morning. Yes, it happens every May. The birds are chirping their melodious songs in the middle of the night. Although sunrise is a few hours away, the birds are already in midday form.

Hearing the birds chirping loudly at that hour is nothing short of shocking. Obviously, the days are getting longer, but is that the only reason the birds are up so early in the morning this time of the year? My curiosity got the better of me. I just had to find out.

No doubt you’ve heard the old adage about the early bird catching the worm, but there had to be more to it than that. According to Yahoo Answers, “The birds chirp and sing to communicate,” it states. “What you may not know is that, with few exceptions, it is the males that are doing all the chirping and singing. They chirp and sing to attract a mate and to announce their territory.”

But why are they chirping in the middle of the night? “Each day, as soon as possible, the males want to make sure that everyone knows that they are alive and well and ready to defend their territory. What is interesting, although it may all sound the same to us, is that there is some evidence suggesting that each bird has its own unique song and other birds know it.”

As for the modern scientific viewpoint, it is devoid of any romantic, religious or aesthetic aspects. It states that the pre-dawn chorus this time of the year signifies the warning signals given by each bird as it announces the re-establishment of its territory for the purpose of courtship, nesting, and food getting. All of these are the fundamental and basic steps to breeding, and the early chorus is just a way to warn other counterparts to keep away from their respective territories.

Paul

Mother's Day Weather Less-Than-Ideal Across Southwestern Connecticut

The air temperature is 57 degrees F with a 33-degree dew point and a gusty north wind under mostly cloudy skies at Sasco Brook in Southport. pic.twitter.com/e9ot8cstJ9

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) May 8, 2022

Cloudy, Damp, Cool, and Breezy Start to the Weekend

The air temperature is 55 degrees F with a 38-degree dew point and a gusty northeast wind under mostly cloudy skies at Samp Mortar Lake and dam in Fairfield. pic.twitter.com/FHFoX8lzfR

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) May 7, 2022

Dry Weather Pattern About to Change Over the Next Few Days

Only three of the last 15 days have featured measured rain across southwestern Connecticut. Less than a half-inch of rain (0.37") fell in the last two weeks. The water table at the Mill River has receded significantly as of this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/D9fXwHPek6

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) May 5, 2022

Rainy, Windy, & Cool Weather Expected Saturday

About an inch-and-a-half of rain is expected across southwestern Connecticut through Monday at 3 a.m. EDT. Saturday will be rainy, windy, and cool with wind gusts up to 30 mph and a high temperature close to 50 degrees F. pic.twitter.com/dmvCIhinoz

— Paul Piorek (@PaulPiorek) May 5, 2022

Weather Jingles Appeared in Newspaper 60 Years Ago Today

Here's a neat find I came across while looking through my daily weather record book this morning. The Bridgeport Post ran a feature called Haskin's Answers, which appeared 60 years ago today, Tuesday, April 24, 1962. A reader could get an answer or two to any question by writing to the newspaper's information bureau and enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The reader wrote, "Please give the jingle about the weather in various months that starts, 'January snowy.'" Quite frankly, I never heard of such a jingle, but apparently Haskin did.

Here is the reply: "January snowy; February flowy; March blowy; April show'ry; May flow'ry; June bow'ry; July moppy; August croppy; September poppy; October breezy; November wheezy; December freezy."

Another weather jingle is "Autumn --- wheezy, sneezy, freezy; Winter --- slippy, drippy, nippy; Spring --- showery, flowery, bowery; Summer --- hoppy, croppy, poppy."

Have you ever heard of these jingles? It's interesting to find something like this after all these years. Click on the article to see an enlarged version.

Paul

Seasonal Snowfall Record Smashed 26 Years Ago Today

Seasonal snowfall records were smashed across much of New England when heavy, wet snow buried Northern New England and delivered nearly a foot of snow (11.3″) to Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford from the evening of April 9 through the morning of April 10, 1996. It was a fitting end to the Winter that just didn’t seem to want to end. In fact, the first snowfall of the season happened the previous November.

When the last flake had fallen, 75.8″ of snow had fallen in southwestern Connecticut that Winter, breaking the previous mark of 71.3″ established over 62 years earlier in 1933-34. Hartford finished the 1995-96 Winter with a record 114.6 inches, which eclipsed the previous mark of 84.9 inches only two years earlier. Here’s a look at snowfall records which were established in the Northeast during the 1995-96 season (click to enlarge):

What I most remember about that snowstorm was a telephone call I received from my late brother and sister-in-law, who were living in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, at the time. That little town at the base of Mount Monadnock made national headlines when the second major snowstorm in three days produced nearly two feet (21 inches) of snow. My brother and sister-in-law were convinced that they were snowbound for awhile.

We also laughed about how much we were looking forward to seeing the first-ever baseball game at the brand new New Britain Stadium just two days later. The Eastern League’s Rock Cats were unveiling their state-of-the-art ballpark against the rival New Haven Ravens, and we were convinced the game wasn’t going to happen. We had purchased tickets well in advance. However, the game did go on as scheduled, and we enjoyed the festivities, despite temperatures in the lower 30s and snow in the parking lot!

Consider that the normal average snowfall for southwestern Connecticut for the month of April is only 0.9″ based on climatology, and the normal average Winter snowfall is about 26.3 inches.

Paul

Today Marks 52nd Anniversary of Easter Sunday Snowstorm of 1970

Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the unforgettable Easter Sunday snowstorm of 1970. Remember, a snowstorm this late in the season in southwestern Connecticut is extremely rare. The normal high temperature is almost 20 degrees above the freezing point, while the normal low temperature is 35 degrees. In addition, the higher angle of the Sun, its stronger rays, and more than 12 hours of daylight all contribute to a Springtime feel of the air.

That's why the March 29, 1970, snowstorm is so memorable. Adding to its uniqueness was the fact that it happened on Easter Sunday, a day on which many people travel to church services and to see relatives. Below are copies of the front pages from The Bridgeport Telegram and The Bridgeport Post from Monday, March 30, 1970, courtesy of Sarah Greenberg of the Bridgeport Public Library's Historical Collections Department.

Over a half-foot of snow fell in the Greater Bridgeport area and, to make matters worse, the mercury plummeted to 16 degrees the following morning at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford and 14 degrees in Norwalk.

According to The Hour newspaper of Norwalk, eight inches of snow fell in the city. The front page of the Norwalk newspaper (below) from the following morning, March 30, is courtesy of Judy Rivas of the Norwalk Public Library.

"The weatherman pulled a somewhat premature April Fool's Day gag on Norwalkers Sunday and in the bargain, turned the Easter Parade into a trek more fitting for Siberian slopes than West Avenue," the article stated. "The snowfall, which came shortly after the traditional Easter Sunrise Service at Calf Pasture Beach, caught many a midmorning churchgoer unawares."

Although Easter occurred quite early that year, an Easter Sunday snowfall hadn't been recorded in southern Connecticut since 1915, when eight inches of snow fell April 3 and 4. The 1970 snowstorm began at about 8:30 a.m. and persisted throughout the day until early evening, accompanied by wind gusts up to 30 miles an hour. Remember, the date on which Easter falls fluctuates each year. It is observed on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon after the Vernal Equinox.

"The state highway department began plowing roads Sunday, though reports indicated much of its snow-fighting equipment was stored away to begin Spring cleanup of sand and road trash instead of snow," according to The Hour. "State police, in a statewide survey of conditions, reported most roads were snow or ice-covered, with extremely slippery conditions."

The following day, Monday, March 30, was an unscheduled holiday for many area schoolchildren due to the snow, wind, and brutally cold temperatures. Only New Canaan and Darien opened their schools, "as most towns, faced with slippery roads and unplowed school yards, cancelled classes."

Although I was only 11 years old and in sixth-grade at the time, the memory of that snowstorm is as vivid today as it was 52 years ago. As a young child, I was excited that we didn't have to go to church or drive to grandma's house for dinner. Instead, our family spent the day at home, enjoying the snow and the holiday together. Oddly, four years later, 7.6" of snow fell at Sikorsky Airport on the same date.

Paul

Nearly a Foot of Snow Fell in Fairfield 55 Years Ago Today

One of the snowiest March days on record in Fairfield happened 55 years ago today, Wednesday, March 22, 1967, when 11.1" of snow fell. Two students at Andrew Warde High School took advantage of the unusual March Winter weather by making a snow bunny.

This photograph graced the second page of The Bridgeport Post, Friday, March 24, 1967. Click the photo for a larger view.

According to the caption, "The Easter bunny, usually soft and cuddly, gets a new twist here from two Andrew Warde High School students who took advantage of the abundant snow to make a sculpture which is expected to slide, not hop, down the bunny trail Sunday.

"Gail and Robert Contolini, a senior and junior at the Fairfield school, designed the snowy mass, which is on display on the Warde grounds. The artists and their sister, Nancy, who helped in the project, live at 114 Rosedale Street, Fairfield."

Although I'm not certain, the Nancy Contolini mentioned in the article may have been my homeroom teacher in WS-11 in the 1970s. Here is the front page of The Bridgeport Post from Wednesday, March 22, 1967:

Paul